November 4, 2018 we took a walking tour of this mosque, Jama Masjid, in the area west of Agra, India. We met a really nice couple from the states here, and shared a rickshaw with them. Later we ran into them at lunch and had a chance to visit. They were from Portland, Oregon, and she had been an Art Teacher for three years, it was comforting to converse with them and swap some stories. Here is some history about this site.
The architecture dates from 16th Century, and was founded in 1569 by Mughal Emperor, Akbar the Great. Fatehpur Sikri has red sandstone buildings clustered at its center. Buland Darwaza gate is the entrance to Jama Masjid mosque. Nearby is the marble Tomb of Salim Chishti. Diwan-E-Khas hall has a carved central pillar. Jodha Bais Palace is a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles, next to the 5-story Panch Mahal that overlooks the site.
I was impressed by this gate entrance. Buland Darwaza, or the "Gate of victory", was built in 1572 A.D. by Mughal emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It is the main entrance to the palace at Fatehpur Sikri, a which is 43 km from Agra, India. Buland Darwaza is the highest gateway in the world and is an example of Mughal architecture.
I liked seeing the green parrots and the homing pigeons in and on the walls. We toured the entire site, and then descended the 52 steps to the area below the gate. There were many peddlers trying to make a living there, and I finally broke down and bought us each a bracelet, one with elephants and one with butterflies. That is our India memento. Then we began again to travel toward Jaipur.
Comments